Leaving Germany checklist: what to cancel, deregister and keep

Who needs it

Everyone who moves their home out of Germany. Some steps are mandatory (the Abmeldung). Others are recommended so that bills don't follow you abroad.

If you only go abroad for a few months and keep your flat, you usually don't deregister. Non-EU citizens should read the residence permit section below first.

When

What you need

• passport or ID card
• the Abmeldung form of your city (or the online service)
• your contract numbers: rental, internet, phone, electricity, insurance
• your Beitragsnummer for the Rundfunkbeitrag
• your tax ID (Steuer-ID) and ELSTER login
• your pension insurance number (on your payslips)

How to do it

1. Give notice on your flat

Tenants with an open-ended contract can usually give notice with about three months' notice (§ 573c BGB). Notice must reach your landlord by the third working day of a month. Arrange the handover and your deposit return, and give the landlord your new address.

2. Deregister your address (Abmeldung) — mandatory

If you move out and don't take another home in Germany, you must deregister within two weeks of moving out. You can do it at the earliest one week before (§ 17 BMG). Many cities accept it by post or online. You receive an Abmeldebestätigung (deregistration certificate). Keep it: you'll need it to cancel contracts. See Abmeldung.

3. Cancel contracts

• Internet and landline: if your provider can't offer the service at your new address (for example abroad), you can cancel with one month's notice (§ 60 TKG). This is a Sonderkündigungsrecht (special termination right).
• Mobile, gym, subscriptions: check the notice period in your contract. Many contracts after the minimum term can be ended with one month's notice. A move abroad doesn't always give a special right.
• Electricity and gas: give your move-out date and final meter reading.
• Deutschlandticket and other subscriptions: cancel in time for the next month.
• Insurance such as liability or household insurance: check your contract for a move-abroad clause.

4. Rundfunkbeitrag

Deregister from the broadcasting fee online at the Beitragsservice. You need your Beitragsnummer and can attach proof such as your Abmeldebestätigung. See Rundfunkbeitrag.

5. Health insurance

Tell your health insurer the date you leave. Statutory cover normally ends when you move your residence and stop working in Germany. Rules differ if you move within the EU, keep a German job, or have private insurance with notice periods. Ask your insurer before you go.

6. Bank account

Keeping a German account for a while can help: final salary, deposit, tax refunds and a pension refund may arrive later. Check your bank's terms, as some banks close accounts for people living abroad. Update your address and tax residence with the bank. See bank account.

7. Taxes

Your tax ID stays with you for life. A final tax return for your last year is often worth filing: wage tax is deducted as if you earned the same all year, so leaving mid-year can mean a refund. In some cases filing is mandatory. See tax return.

8. Pension

Your German pension contributions stay on your record. You can claim a German pension later from abroad if you qualify. Some non-EU citizens can instead ask for a refund after 24 months; see pension refund.

9. Other things

• Kindergeld: tell the Familienkasse when you move abroad.
• Mail: set up a forwarding order (Nachsendeauftrag) with Deutsche Post.
• Car: deregister or sell it, and cancel car insurance.

What happens afterwards

Your residence permit (non-EU citizens)

A residence permit expires (§ 51 AufenthG):

• as soon as you leave Germany for good (for a reason that is not temporary); or
• if you stay abroad for more than six months without returning, unless the Ausländerbehörde set a longer period.

Exceptions: an EU Blue Card and your family's permits allow 12 months abroad. A settlement permit doesn't expire after 15 years of legal residence if your income is secure.

Common problems

Do I have to deregister if I'm only leaving for six months?

Not if you keep your flat and plan to come back to it. You must deregister when you give up your home in Germany.

Will the broadcasting fee keep charging me after I leave?

It can, until your account is closed. Don't rely on the registration office passing on your move. Deregister yourself and keep the confirmation.

Can I cancel my phone contract early because I'm moving abroad?

For internet and landline, usually yes with one month's notice. For mobile contracts, it depends on your contract terms.

Can I keep my German bank account after leaving?

Often yes, but it depends on the bank. Check the terms before you leave.

Costs

Most steps are free. The Abmeldung is usually free. Some providers charge for early cancellation if no special termination right applies.